The Bubble

Sometimes we might think that we live in a bubble, in our own world, without paying heed to the day-to-day violence-war-hatred-etcetera spread around us. Two lovers may forget the world. Hu-Buah (or ‘the Bubble’), in Hebrew language, presents before us the short “insignificant” lifespan of Noam and Ashraf. Insignificant because no matter how many lives it gobbles, the monster of war never seems to cease its hunger and this relativity makes ‘love’ insignificant (Pardon the pessimistic me!). This movie in its preproduction stage was to be named ‘Romeo & Julio’. So ‘The Bubble’ is a 21st century romantic tragedy in which the lovers are not only gay but also they belong to two separate races and religions which seemingly hate each other since the birth of mankind (Why can they not peace out?)

The Bubble is the latest film by Eyton Fox, top notch director of Israeli Cinema. Openly gay Eyton has done many similar projects in his career and has always come up with a different theme and genre each time. Though romanticism always has been a main part of his films, he has proficiently depicted various issues and many aspects of Israeli life. Thus his movies can be a window to Israel and the country’s tolerance of LGBT people for the world audience.

The central theme is kind of obvious when I say that it is a modern Romeo & Juliet. But let me warn you before you jump to any conclusions that this is cliché cinema. No, it is not. Under the very keen and smart direction The Bubble proves itself a refreshing flick. The film is about Noam, a young gay guy who while working at a checkpoint on his reserve duty happens to lock eyes with a young Palestinian man there, Ashraf. After finishing his military duty, Noam returns to Tel-Aviv where he lives with another gay man, Yelli who works in a restaurant, and the flamboyant girl Lulu. They lead a happy-go-lucky life. And one day Ashraf comes to their place and love stems between Noam and Ashraf.

The film can boast of several memorable scenes: one of them is when Ashraf comes to Noam’s place to return his passport and then on the terrace, while Noam shows him the skyline of the city, Ashraf kisses him. Another beautifully done scene is that of their love making. The climax is almost icoinic.

Coming on the acting part and the cinematography I want to once again applaud the director. The entire cast especially the four main characters have done an excellent job by acting as naturally as possible, there is no hint of articulation while they delivered their dialogues. At the end of this review, all I can say is that it’s refreshing, cute and provides perspective. Watch it without any reservations and you will enjoy it.

(Written for Pink Pages)